Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade: Etiology and Evolution in the Contemporary Era

Abstract Background: Pericardial effusion is a relatively common finding and can progress to cardiac tamponade; etiological diagnosis is important for guiding treatment decisions. With advances in medicine and improvement in the social context, the most frequent etiological causes have changed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics, etiology, and clinical course of patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Materials and methods: Patients with pericardial effusion classified as small (< 10 mm), moderate (between 10-20 mm), or severe (> 20 mm) were included. Data from the clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and complementary tests were evaluated in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: A total of 254 patients with a mean age of 53.09 ± 17.9 years were evaluated, 51.2% of whom were female. A total of 40.4% had significant pericardial effusion (> 20 mm). Pericardial tamponade occurred in 44.1% of patients. Among pericardial effusion patients without tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were: idiopathic (44.4%) and postsurgical (17.6%), while among those with tamponade, the most frequent etiologies were postsurgical (21.4%) and postprocedural (19.6%). The mean follow-up time was 2.2 years. Mortality was 42% and 23.2 in those with and without tamponade, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusions: There is an etiological difference between pericardial effusion patients with and without cardiac tamponade. An idiopathic etiology is more common among those without tamponade, while postinterventional/postsurgical is more common among those with tamponade. The tamponade group had a higher mortality rate.

Linfoma pericárdico primario a células T/NK: reporte de un caso / Primary pericardial T/NK cell lymphoma: case report / Linfoma pericárdico primário de células T/NK: relato de um caso

Los linfomas cardíacos primarios son un subtipo muy poco frecuente de tumor en los cuales la lesión primaria se encuentra en el corazón. Los tumores suelen ser infiltrantes y se localizan en la aurícula derecha, seguidos del pericardio. Su mortalidad es notablemente alta y el diagnóstico tardío es el principal factor para su mal pronóstico. Describimos el caso de un paciente que presentó shock obstructivo por derrame pericárdico profuso causado por un tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primario, un linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

Primary cardiac lymphomas are a rare subtype of lymphomas in which the primary lesion is in the heart. The tumors are usually located in the right atria, followed by the pericardium and are frequently infiltrative. Mortality is remarkably high in this group and the delayed diagnosis is the main factor for its poor prognosis. We describe the case of a patient that presented with obstructive shock due to profuse pericardial effuse caused by a rare kind of primary cardiac tumor, a T/NK cell pericardial lymphoma.

Os linfomas cardíacos primários são um subtipo de tumor muito raro, no qual a lesão primária está no coração. Os tumores geralmente são infiltrativos e localizam-se no átrio direito, seguidos pelo pericárdio. Sua mortalidade é notavelmente alta e o diagnóstico tardio é o principal fator que produz seu mau prognóstico. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que apresentou choque obstrutivo devido a um derrame pericárdico profuso causado por um tipo raro de tumor cardíaco primário, um linfoma pericárdico de células T/NK.

Taponamiento Cardiaco: cuando el corazón se encuentra bajo presión / Cardiac tamponade: when the heart is under pressure

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, its prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent a fatal outcome. OBJECTIVES: We describe a case of cardiac tamponade in a medicine Ward and its subsequent resolution. CLINICAL CASE: 56-year-old male patient with dyspnoea and edematous síndrome, managed with partial response depletive therapy. Echocardiographic study reveals a large pericardial effusion with signs of cardiac tamponade. Inmediate management with ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and subsequent surgical resolution. DISCUSSION: The knowledge of the clinical-hemdynamic manifestations and their subsequent pathophysiological background are important in the diagnostic suspicion and management considerations. Echocardiography is a critical component for the final diagnosis, since given its sensitivity and specificity it allows to complete the characterization of the pericardial effusion. In addition, it contributes to reducing the morbidity associated with its drainage.

Tamponamento cardíaco por cateter central de inserção periférica em prematuros: papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito e abordagem terapêutica / Cardiac tamponade by peripherally inserted central catheter in preterm infants: role of bedside ultrasonography and therapeutic approach

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a incidência de derrame pericárdico com tamponamento cardíaco em recém-natos prematuros em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, com ênfase na relação entre o derrame pericárdico e a inserção de cateter central de inserção periférica, e avaliar o papel da ultrassonografia à beira do leito na abordagem desses casos. Métodos: análise retrospectiva dos pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica, entre julho de 2014 e dezembro de 2016, que apresentaram derrame pericárdico com repercussão hemodinâmica, avaliados por ultrassonografia. Resultados: foram estudados 426 pacientes admitidos na unidade neonatal de cinco leitos, com realização 285 ultrassonografias à beira do leito. Foram encontrados seis casos de derrame pericárdico, sendo quatro casos com choque obstrutivo e necessidade de realização de drenagem pericárdica, sem mortalidade relacionada ao procedimento e com melhora hemodinâmica em todos os pacientes após o procedimento. A incidência de derrame pericárdico foi de 2,4 casos por ano. Conclusão: a incidência de derrame pericárdico é baixa em neonatos, porém o diagnóstico precoce é fundamental devido à alta morbimortalidade, especialmente nos casos de instalação abrupta. Todos os casos foram diagnosticados pela ultrassonografia à beira do leito, demonstrando sua importância no rastreio desses casos, especialmente em nos quadros de choque de etiologia incerta e neonatos com instabilidade hemodinâmica de início súbito que estão em uso de acesso venoso central.

ABSTRACT Objective: to determine the incidence of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade in preterm infants in a pediatric intensive care unit, with emphasis on the relationship between pericardial effusion and peripherally inserted central catheter, and to evaluate the role of bedside ultrasound in approaching these cases. Methods: we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit between July 2014 and December 2016, who presented pericardial effusion with hemodynamic repercussion, evaluated by ultrasonography. Results: we studied 426 patients admitted to the five beds of the neonatal unit. In the period, there were 285 bedside ultrasound exams. We found six cases of pericardial effusion, four of which with obstructive shock and need for pericardial drainage. There was no procedure-related mortality, and all patients evolved with hemodynamic improvement after the procedure. The incidence of pericardial effusion was 2.4 cases per year. Conclusion: the incidence of pericardial effusion is low in neonates, but early diagnosis is fundamental due to high morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of abrupt onset. All cases were diagnosed by bedside ultrasonography, demonstrating its importance in the screening of these cases, especially in shocks of uncertain etiology and neonates with sudden onset hemodynamic instability who are using central venous access.

Tuberculosis pericárdica / Pericardial tuberculosis

La tuberculosis pericárdica es una presentación poco frecuente de infecciones causadas por especies de Micobacterias. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 43 años de edad con antecedentes de Leucemia linfocítica aguda en remisión completa, en fase de mantenimiento con Dasatinib durante cuatro años: había derrame pleural derecho como efecto secundario, y consultó por presentar disnea progresiva, concomitante fiebre de 39ºC precedida por escalofríos, sin patrón horario asociándose a las 72 horas exacerbación del patrón de disnea hasta la ortopnea y disminución del volumen urinario motivo por el cual es traída a nuestro centro. Durante su estancia hospitalaria se realiza TC de tórax hallándose de manera incidental la existencia de derrame pericárdico, se realiza ecoscopia donde se visualiza derrame pericárdico importante a predominio posterior, de 27 mm de volumen con colapso de cavidades cardíacas derechas, estableciéndose el diagnóstico de taponamiento cardíaco. Se realiza pericardiocentesis con obtención de 720 cc de liquido pericárdico turbio. 72 horas posterior al procedimiento presenta nuevo episodio de taponamiento cardíaco realizándose ventana pleuropericárdica; el ADA de líquido pericárdico reportó valores 2 veces superior a limite de corte; el resultado de la biopsia de pericardio reportó fibrosis pericárdica. En vista de hallazgos clínicos y paraclínicos se planteó el diagnóstico de Pericarditis tuberculosa.

Pleuropericardial tuberculosis is a rare presentation of infections caused by Micobacterias. The case of a 43 years - old female patient with a history of acute lymphocytic leukemia in complete remission in the maintenance phase with dasatinib for four years with right pleural effusion is presented. She consulted for progressive dyspnea; there was also fever (39ºC) and chills. Within 72 hours orthopnoea and decreased urine volume appeared. During her hospital stay a chest CT showed the existence of pericardial effusion, and endoscopy confirmed severe pericardial effusion of 27 mm with right-sided heart collaps, and because the diagnosis of cardiac taponade was made pericardiocentesis was performed, obtaining 720 cc of pericardial turbid fluid; after s 72 hours after a new episode of cardiac taponade occurred, so that a pleuropericardial window was done. ADA values reported 2 times higher cutting; pericardial biopsy reported pericardial fibrosis. In view of these findings, clinical and laboratory diagnosis of tuberculous pericarditis was established.

Localized pericardial tamponade: Does it always need exploration.

A 48-year-old female patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. One‑hour after surgery, the patient developed hemodynamic instability. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was inconclusive. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed and it revealed localised collection around right atrium. In spite of the evidence of localized tamponade, wait and watch policy was employed rather than re‑exploring the patient emergently. The patient recovered uneventfully. If hemodynamics remain stable and there is no fall in hematocrit and no increase in effusion on TEE/TTE examination, then localized tamponade can be managed conservatively without reexploring the patient.

Taponamiento cardiaco posterior a intervención coronaria percutánea / Cardiac tamponade after percutaneous coronary intervention

La perforación coronaria es una rara complicación de la intervención coronaria percutánea, pero puede desencadenar un taponamiento cardiaco potencialmente letal. Esta complicación ha sido reportada en 0,1 -3.0 por ciento de los procedimientos. Este reporte describe un caso de hemopericardio y taponamiento cardiaco posterior a una intervención percutánea en un paciente anticoagulado con warfarina y con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Una rápida intervención aseguró una excelente evolución clínica del paciente.

Coronary perforation is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention, but can trigger potentially lethalcardiac tamponade. This complication has been reported in 0,1 – 3,0 % of procedures. This report describes a case ofhemopericardium and cardiac tamponade after percutaneous intervention in an warfarin anticoagulated patient withacute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation. A rapid intervention ensured an excellent clinical evolution ofthe patient.

Supra-Cath : A Life Saving Catheter.

Amebic liver abscesses are more likely to be solitary and more commonly located in the right hepatic lobe. Though uncommon, erosion usually from left lobe into the pericardium is the most dangerous complication of amebic liver abscess. We encountered an interesting case of an elderly male, who presented with features suggestive of cardiac temponade. We could demonstrate the left lobe abscess, pericardial effusion and also pericardial fistula on ultrasonography. Patient was successfully managed by percutaneous drainage of left lobe hepatic abscess by Supra- Cath, which also drained pericardial effusion with immediate symptomatic relief.

Pericardial tamponade after left posterolateral thoracotomy for left upper lobectomy for pulmonary aspergilloma.

Pericardial tamponade limits diastolic filling of the heart; therefore, a high venous pressure is required to fill the ventricle. In presence of cardiac tamponade, therapeutic agents and manoeuvres that results in venodilation or vasodilation can severely compromise diastolic filling of the heart and might result in rapid cardiac decompensation. Equalization of central venous pressure and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure or equalization of pressures in all four chambers during diastole confirms cardiac tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography can detect the site of tamponade and assist in pericardiocentesis. We describe acute pericardial tamponade in a young man who underwent left posterolateral thoracotomy for left upper lobectomy. Intraoperatively, mobilization of the left upper lobe was frequently associated with hypotension. Postoperatively, the patient suffered two more episodes of hypotension. The episodes of hypotension were attributed to surgical manipulation and epidural blockade. Hemodynamics normalized after discontinuing epidural infusion, volume resuscitation and lobectomy. On third postoperative day, the patient developed cardiovascular collapse; arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure were 70/50 and 12 mmHg. Investigations showed haziness of left lung, and severe respiratory acidosis. On opening of the left thoracotomy wound, pericardial tamponade was diagnosed. A pericardial window was created and tamponade was released with that the hemodynamics normalized. Episodes of unexplained hypotension after left upper lobectomy suggest a cardiac etiology and acute pericardial tamponade is a possibility which should be released immediately otherwise it can result in fatal outcome.

Derrames pericárdicos crónicos severos idiopáticos / Idiophatic chronic severe pericardial effusion

El objetivo del presente trabajo es determinar la frecuencia la presentación clínica, tratamiento, evolución y pronóstico alejado en pacientes con Derrame Pericárdico Crónico Severo Idiopático (DPCSI)

Device-induced perforation of right atrium following interventional closure of atrial septal defect [ASD]

This is a case presentation of a 26-year-old woman with a moderate-sized atrial septal secundum defect [17mm] who underwent catheterism, during which an Amplatzer Septal Occluder number 26 was inserted successfully. On the second postoperative day, she deteriorated and a clinical examination showed a typical tamponade. After a percutaneous aspiration of the pericardial cavity and transient improvement in vital signs, a pig-tail catheter was inserted percutaneously emergently, and the patient was transferred to the operating room in a preshock state. During the operation, an active bleeding point in the superoanterior aspect of the right atrium near the aortic root was detected, which was repaired by direct suture and pericardial patch reinforcement. The Amplatzer device was removed and the atrial septal defect was repaired with a pericardial patch. A lethal complication of the interventional closure of atrial septal defect, properly treated by an emergent intervention and operation, is presented and discussed herein

Emergency mangement of cardiac temponade resulting from blunt trauma

A nine year old girl was brought to emergency reception in shock. Her attendant gave history of blunt trauma chest by falling on a pair of scissors while playing with her brother. She was pale, sweating and had cold peripheries. Her pulse was 170 beats per minute with very low volume. Her blood pressure was 40/30 mmHg and JVP was raised. On auscultation her heart sounds were muffled. On local examination, there was a bruise, 1/2 x 2 cm in the fourth intercostal space just lateral to left sternal edge. Her X-Ray chest was non-conclusive and cardiac temponade was diagnosed on echocardiography. Case was shown to cardiac surgeon who with mutual consultation with pediatric cardiologist decided to go for an emergency thoracotomy as they were suspecting big tear or trauma to the big vessel, so it was decided for definitive repair. Intravenous lines maintained and blood arranged. Patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids, inotropic support and oxygen with face mask in intensive care unit. After about half an hour patient improved slightly and was shifted to operation theatre. Invasive blood pressure monitoring by 22 G intra-arterial cannula in right radial artery was started. After induction with Ketamine and tracheal intubation, central venous lines were established with one double lumen catheter and one 16 G cannula passed in the right internal jugular vein. Mid sternal thoracotomy was performed. It revealed pericardial cavity full of clots and fresh blood. There was an injury mark about 1/4 x 1/2 cm just lateral to left anterior descending artery on right ventricle and blood was spurting from the wound which was stitched. Hemostasis secured and chest closed. She was transfused with two units of blood during the operation. She remained hemodynamically stable afterwards

Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Pericardial Effusion in Patients Who Underwent Echocardiographically Guided Pericardiocentesis: Yonsei Cardiovascular Center Experience, 1993-2003

Percutaneous pericardiocentesis guided by two-dimensional echocardiography was introduced in 1983 as an alternative to electrocardiographically or fluoroscopically guided puncture for the management of pericardial effusion. The objective of this study was to investigate echocardiographically (echo) - guided pericardiocenteses performed at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2003, and also to determine whether patient profiles, etiology, and practice patterns have changed over this 11-year period. The medical records of 272 patients were examined and a follow-up survey was conducted. Patient clinical profiles, etiology, echocardiographic findings, and procedural details were determined for 2 periods: January, 1993 through December, 1997 (period 1) ; and January 1998 through December, 2003 (period 2). During the 11-year study period, 291 therapeutic, echo-guided pericardiocenteses with pericardial catheter drainage were performed in 272 patients. The number of pericardiocentesis in period 2 was increased compared with period 1 (191 cases vs. 100 cases). The mean age at pericardiocentesis increased from 49 +/-17 years in period 1 to 55+/-16 years in period 2 (p< 0.05). The procedural success rate was 99% overall with a major complication rate of 0.7% (2 cases of right ventricular free wall perforation which required emergency operation). Only one procedure-related mortality (< 30 days) was noted. Malignancy was the leading cause of a pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis (45.6%). The incidence of pericardial effusion following cardiothoracic surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention procedures accounted for nearly 20% of all pericardiocenteses performed. Echo-guided pericardiocentesis has become a safe, standard practice for clinically significant pericardial effusion, in line with the changes of patients profiles over the 11 years of the study.

Acometimento cardíaco precoce no lupus eritematoso sistêmico / Premature cardiac manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus

O acometimento cardíaco no Lupus Eritematoso Sistêmico ocorre em cerca de 15 a 50 por cento dos pacientes.A pericardite é a manifestação mais freqüente. O tamponamento cardíaco é extremamente raro, principalmente como manifestação inicial da doença. Nesta pesquisa é descrito o caso de uma mulher jovem que apresentou como manifestação inicial do Lupus Eritematoso Sistêmico, tamponamento cardíaco, tendo sido tratada com altas dores de corticosteróides, necessitando ainda de pericardiocentese e instalação de janela pericárdica.

Scleroderma with cardiac tamponade, hyperthyroidism and incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma

Cardiac tamponade and malignancy are associated with a poor prognosis in Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (PSS). We present the case of a 31-year-old African-Jamaican woman with PSS and a thyroid neoplasm who presented with cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. Despite the presence of two poor prognostic markers, she has had a favourable postoperative course.